... German novella, "Die Verwandlung" or "The Metamorphosis." It is said to be one of the outstanding works of fiction in the previous 20th century. Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, wakes up to find himself changed or metamorphosed into a terrible insect. Man is a rational animal. There is the human side ... him for just not paying the rent. Meanwhile, Grete got tired of caring for Gregor and the family expresses their hope that he would go away of his own accord. This makes him die. The family is relieved to see him dead. They immediately make new plans for the future. Living parsimoni...

• Word Count: 1320
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... more beneficial to others. Gregor hates his job as a traveling salesman; "if [he] didn't have to hold back for the sake of [his] parents [he'd] have handed in [his] notice long since" (77), but he works to support his parents and sister, none of whom work. He keeps only "a few odd coins for himself ... take a day off from work and to evict their detestable lodgers, they cannot appreciate Gregor's motives. "'If it were Gregor...he would have gone away of his own accord'" (120) Grete claims in Gregor's hearing before his death, but never realizes that he does, as she believes that he cannot...

• Word Count: 1861
• Approx Pages: 7